Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the important diseases in dogs and humans. The second most common cause of heart failure in dogs is idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (iDCM), which results in heart ...failure or sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia. This study aimed to determine changes in the plasma metabolome of dogs with iDCM compared to healthy dogs. For that purpose, a multiplatform mass-spectrometry-based approach was used. In this study, we included two groups of dogs: 12 dogs with iDCM and 8 healthy dogs. A total of 272 metabolites were detected in the plasma samples of dogs by combining three approaches but four MS-based platforms (GC-MS, LC-MS (untargeted), LC-MS (targeted), and FIA-MS (targeted) methods). Our findings demonstrated changes in the canine plasma metabolome involved in the development of iDCM, including the different concentrations of amino acids, biogenic amines, acylcarnitines, triglycerides and diglycerides, sphingomyelins, and organic acids. The results of this study will enable the detection and monitoring of pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of iDCM in the future.
Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in various large carnivores like wolves, entails the animal lowering its chin and neck towards a scent, followed by rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back ...into it. This behaviour is prevalent among wolves exposed to diverse scents, though its exact purpose remains uncertain. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to odours during olfactory enrichment sessions. In the initial year of this study, the highest level of interest, evidenced by both the frequency of responses and scent-rolling behaviour, was noted when the wolves encountered odours such as curry and rosemary, along with deer/mouflon and rat faeces. While certain odours, such as llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces, garnered longer durations of interest in the second year of study, others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, elicited shorter responses. Female wolves demonstrated a higher level of engagement with scents compared with males, particularly through scent rolling behaviour, which was exclusively observed in females during the second year of this study. Interestingly, certain odours did not trigger scent rolling, suggesting selective preferences. On the other hand, sheep’s wool induced the longest duration of scent rolling, and a lack of significant differences in behaviour was observed between morning and afternoon sessions. Despite the existence of multiple hypotheses put forward to explain the causation of scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be elicited by unfamiliar odours.
Cow serum proteome was evaluated by three different complementary approaches in the control group, subclinical and clinical mastitis in order to possibly find differential protein expression useful ...for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of mastitis as well as for an early diagnosis of the disease. The systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress response in cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis were observed. The collected evidence shows a differential protein expression of serpin A3-1, vitronectin-like protein and complement factor H in subclinical mastitis in comparison with the control. It was also found a differential protein expression of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4, serpin A3-1, C4b-binding protein alpha chain, haptoglobin and apolipoprotein A-I in clinical mastitis compared to the control.
Among the inflammatory proteins up-regulated in clinical mastitis, vitronectin is over-expressed in both subclinical and clinical mastitis indicating a strong bacterial infection. This suggests vitronectin as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of the onset of mastitis as well as a valuable marker for diagnosis of the subclinical form of the disease.
Obtained data could be useful for the detection of mastitis during the subclinical phase and for a better comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the onset of the disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Farm animal proteomics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Farm animal proteomics.
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► Hp is over-expressed in clinical mastitis vs. control. ► ApoA-I is down-expressed in clinical mastitis vs. control. ► Serpin A3-1 and vitronectin are up-regulated in subclinical mastitis vs. control. ► Complement factor H is down-regulated in subclinical mastitis vs. control. ► Vitronectin could be a possible marker for subclinical mastitis.
The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity and lipid status in cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis in order to evaluate systemic inflammatory and oxidative ...stress responses. The study was conducted on a total of 90 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows kept in farms in eastern Croatia. Cows were assigned into three groups: the cows suffering from clinical mastitis (CLM), the cows with subclinical mastitis (SCM) and control (CTL) group. In collected sera, PON1, lipid status and calcium concentration were measured. Total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and calcium concentrations were significantly lower in the CLM group of cows compared to the SCM and CTL groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the lipid status and calcium level between the CTL and SCM groups. PON1 activity was significantly lower in both the SCM and CLM groups compared with CTL indicating that PON1 could be considered as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of subclinical form of the disease.
Canine babesiosis is a rapidly spreading tick-borne disease in Europe, which entails protozoan parasites invading red blood cells. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) (< 200 nm) were isolated from the ...serum of 15 healthy and 15 by Babesia canis naturally infected dogs aimed to distinguish EV characteristics and protein profiles. There were no significant differences (P = 0.05) observed in the mean sizes and concentrations of serum EVs between the healthy and canine babesiosis groups. Despite a higher number of Canis lupus proteins detected in EVs from serum of diseased dogs, there were no statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the number of protein IDs between the experimental groups. We successfully identified 211 Canis lupus proteins across both experimental groups, of which 147 Canis lupus proteins were validated as being EV-associated. This data set is accessible via the ProteomeXchange PXD047647. EVs isolated from serum of B. canis infected dogs were Cd9+, Cd63+, Cd81+, and Cd82+. Furthermore, 73 Canis lupus proteins were validated as EV-associated and specific for EVs isolated from serum of B. canis-infected dogs. These were predominantly membrane and cytosolic proteins, and innate and adaptive immune system-related proteins, especially those involved in adhesion and proteoglycan mechanisms like integrins. Enrichment was also observed for proteins involved in vascular and cellular responses, including signalling pathways such as VEGF, VEGFR, and the LKB1 network. When only blood-related sites of EV expression were evaluated, the origins of EV proteins were mostly cells of immune system. These were dendritic cells, neutrophils, B cells, monocytes and platelets. In general, proteins were enriched in pathways that collectively regulate various cellular processes, including immune responses, communication, signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and apoptosis. Serum EVs and their protein cargo may have an important role in both the invasion of B. canis and the host's response to the parasitic infection, nevertheless, additional experimental research is warranted. The overall count of identified EV proteins of parasitic origin, meeting cut off criteria of two peptides and 1 % FDR, was relatively low.
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•No significant differences in EV sizes and concentrations were observed between groups.•There were difference in the EV protein profile between groups.•73 proteins in B. canis-infected dogs were validated as EV-associated.•EV proteins were predominantly membrane and cytosolic proteins.•In canine babesiosis, identified EV proteins were part of immune system.
The Bosnian adder (Vipera berus bosniensis) and the horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) are two venomous snake species with different ecological preferences. The Bosnian adder occurs in a range of ...habitats and is endemic to the Balkan Peninsula, while the horned viper thrives in dry, rocky areas with little vegetation. The horned viper is best known for its highly venomous venom, making it the most dangerous of the European vipers. The aim of this study was to compare the expression and distribution of complex gangliosides and to identify migratoryzones in the brain of Bosnian adder and horned viper. Immunohistochemistry was performed using specific antibodies for the major brain gangliosides (GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b) and PSA NCAM and analysed in differentbrain regions. Both snake species showed expression of all four complex gangliosides with similar distribution patterns. GD1b was the most prominent ganglioside expressed in all brain structures, while GM1 showed varying distribution between the species. The strongest expression of PSA NCAM was observed in the periventricular zones of the telencephalon, suggesting that these areas are associated with neurogenesis, whereas other regions with lower expression may serve as migratory zones. In addition, it is important to note that the specific distribution of gangliosides and PSA NCAM may be influenced by factors such as brain region, developmental stage, and species-specific characteristics.
Bosanska riđovka (Vipera berus bosniensis) i poskok (Vipera ammodytes) dvije su otrovne vrste zmija različitih ekoloških preferencija. Bosanska se riđovka javlja u različitim staništima i endem je Balkanskog poluotoka, dok poskok obitava u suhim, stjenovitim područjima s malo vegetacije i najpoznatija je zmija po vrlo otrovnom otrovu, što ga čini najopasnijom od europskih zmija. Cilj je ovog rada bio usporediti ekspresiju i distribuciju složenih gangliozida i identificirati migracijske zone u mozgu bosanske riđovke i poskoka. Imunohistokemija je provedena pomoću specifičnih protutijela za glavne gangliozide mozga (GM1, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b) i PSA NCAM čija je ekspresija i distribucija analizirana u različitim regijama mozga. Obje vrste zmija pokazale su ekspresiju sva četiri složena gangliozida sa sličnim obrascima distribucije. GD1b je bio najistaknutiji gangliozid izražen u svim moždanim strukturama, a GM1 je pokazao različitu raspodjelu između dviju vrste. Najjača ekspresija PSA NCAM uočena je u periventrikularnim zonama telencefalona, a to sugerira da su ta područja povezana s neurogenezom, dok druge regije s nižom ekspresijom predstavljaju migracijske zone. Važno je napomenuti da na specifičnu distribuciju gangliozida i PSA NCAM mogu utjecati i drugi čimbenici kao što su: regija mozga, razvojna faza životinje i karakteristike specifične za vrstu. Stoga proučavanje njihove distribucije u različitim životinjskim vrstama pruža uvid u raznolikost i evoluciju sialoglikokonjugata u kontekstu razvoja i funkcije neurona.
The study aimed to determine the influence of air temperature, amount of precipitation and sunlight duration on the reproductive traits of the Romanov sheep in the Bilogora region, Croatia.Animals ...were kept in a fenced rotating pasture with access to stables during the night. Sheep were naturally mated. During three consecutive years (2019-2021), reproductive performance data were collected for four sheep flocks (n=26-57). Data on air temperature, sunlight duration, and daily precipitation volumes were obtained from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (CMHS), Zagreb, Croatia, from the nearest meteorological recording station, located within 5-15 km of farms. A total of 425 ewes were mated, of which 399 successfully conceived and 851 lambs were born, with an average litter size of 1.63. The average fertility during the study was 93.88%. Lambing distribution was not equally distributed throughout the year as 73% of all lambs were born during winter and spring (winter 51.88%; spring 21.31%; summer 13.53% and autumn 13.28%). Sexual activity was lowest from the end of March to May, while the peak of sexual activity was from the end of August to October. There was a positive or negative correlation (P<0.0001 (Kruskall-Wallis)) between air temperature, sunshine duration and amount of precipitation with certain reproductive traits (number of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes). Daily average air temperatures were highest in summer but drop suddenly at the start of the breeding season in early autumn. Also, the day begins to shorten, and night begins to become longer which is crucial for shortday breeder species such as sheep and goats. Other factors, such as relative humidity and rainfall, can also directly or indirectly impact sexual activity and significantly affect fertility. The results indicate that air temperature, amount of precipitation, and sunlight duration during different months or seasons could influence the reproductive traits of Romanov sheep in Bilogora region, Croatia.
Cilj je istraživanja bio utvrditi utjecaj temperature zraka, količine dnevnih oborina i trajanja sunčeve svjetlosti na reprodukcijska svojstva romanovske ovce u području Bilogore, Hrvatska. Životinje su držane na ograđenom rotirajućem pašnjaku s pristupom stajama tijekom noći. Ovce su bile prirodno pripuštane. Tijekom 3 uzastopne godine (2019.-2021.) prikupljeni su podatci o reproduktivnoj učinkovitosti četiri stada ovaca (n=26-57). Temperaturu zraka, trajanje sunčeve svjetlosti i dnevne količine oborina prikupio je Hrvatski meteorološki i hidrološki zavod (CMHS), Zagreb, Hrvatska, u najbližoj meteorološkoj postaji za mjerenje, koja je udaljena nalazi unutar 5-15 km od farmi. Pripušteno je ukupno 425 ovaca, od kojih je 399 uspješno koncipiralo i ojanjilo 851 janje. Prosječna veličina legla bila je 1,63; prosječna plodnost tijekom istraživanja bila je 93,88 %. Rasprostranjenost janjenja nije bila tijekom cijele godine ravnomjerno raspoređena, jer je 73 % svih ovaca ojanjeno tijekom zime i proljeća (zimi 51,88 %, u proljeće 21,31 %, u ljeto 13,53 % i u jesen 13,28 %). Spolna aktivnost bila je najniža od kraja ožujka do svibnja, dok je vrhunac spolne aktivnosti bio od kraja kolovoza do listopada. Postojala je pozitivna ili negativna korelacija (P<0,0001 (Kruskall Wallis)) između temperature zraka, trajanja sunčeve svjetlosti i količine oborina s određenim reproduktivnim svojstvima (brojem gravidnih i negravidnih ovaca). Prosječne dnevne temperature najviše su ljeti, no početkom jeseni i početkom sezone razmnožavanja temperature zraka naglo padaju. Isto tako, dan postaje kraći, a noć postaje duža što je ključno za rasplodnju vrsta tzv. short day breeder kao što su ovce i koze. Osim temperature i sunčeve svjetlosti, drugi čimbenici, poput relativne vlažnosti i padalina, mogu izravno ili neizravno utjecati na spolnu aktivnost i znatno utjecati na plodnost. Možemo pretpostaviti da temperatura zraka, količina oborina i trajanje sunčeve svjetlosti tijekom različitih mjeseci ili godišnjih doba mogu utjecati na reproduktivne osobine romanovske ovce na Bilogori u Hrvatskoj.
From 2018 to 2022, at 10 localities on Bansko Hill, 3,639 horseflies were sampled. Most specimens (3,404) were sampled in 2022 in the period from mid-May to mid-September. The horseflies sampled are ...classified into two subfamilies, six genera and 19 species. The species Hybomitra ukrainica (Olsufjev, 1952), Tabanus miki Brauer in Brauer and Bergenstamm, 1880, Haematopota grandis Meigen, 1820 and Haematopota pandazisi (Kröber, 1936) are new finds of horsefly species for the studied area. The species Tabanus tergestinus Egger, 1859 is the most abundant species and makes up 71.11% of the horseflies sampled. The species Tabanus bromius L., 1758 followed with 10.16% of the abundance, Tabanus sudeticus Zeller, 1842 with 8.82% and Atylotus loewianus (Villeneuve, 1920) with 5.74% of the horseflies sampled, while 15 other species of horseflies were represented by the remaining 4.17%. In the collected sample, male horseflies accounted for 51.71% of the sample; all of them were sampled with an oil liquid trap. The largest number of horseflies (84.14%) were sampled in localities on the northeastern side of Bansko Hill, covered with forest vegetation of secondary origin. Three species, T. bromius, T. tergestinus and Heptatoma pellucens, (Fabricius, 1776) have the longest flight period, from mid-May to mid-September. The highest peaks of abundance for T. tergestinus, T. bromius, and T. sudeticus were recorded in July, for H. pellucens in June and for A. loewianus in August. The greatest similarity in horsefly fauna (85.71%) was recorded in the localities Popovac and Karanac. 90.98% of horseflies were collected by liquid oil traps, followed by sticky traps (5.22%) and canopy traps (3.79%). Data from earlier studies from 2011 and data from the current studies in the area of Bansko Hill have yielded records of 22 species of horsefly.
Pottova bolest ekstrapulmonalni je koštano-zglobni oblik tuberkuloze kod koje bacili Mycobacterium tuberculosis uzrokuju osteomijelitis kralježaka. Kod Pottove bolesti dolazi do razvoja kroničnog ...apscesa koji se još naziva i hladni apsces zbog odsutnosti boli i drugih znakova upale. Ako se hladni apsces razvije u području cervikalne kralježnice, može doći do njegova širenja prema stražnjoj stijenci ždrijela kroz duboke vratne prostora smještene anteriorno od cervikalnih kralježaka. U našem radu prikazujemo slučaj bolesnice s apscesom dubokih vratnih prostora koji je uzrokovan Pottovom bolešću cervikalne kralježnice. Apsces se prezentirao kao izbočina na stražnjoj stijenci ždrijela udružena s otežanim gutanjem, disanjem, inspiratornim stridorom i tetraparezom.
Pott’s disease is an extrapulmonary skeletal manifestation of tuberculosis infection in which the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli cause the development of vertebral osteomyelitis. Pott’s disease is associated with developing a chronic abscess often called a cold abscess due to the absence of pain and other signs of inflammation. If a cold abscess is developed in the cervical spine, it can spread to the posterior pharynx wall through deep neck spaces located anteriorly to the cervical vertebra. This paper presents a patient with a deep neck space abscess caused by the cervical spine Pott’s disease. The abscess was presented as a bulging of the posterior wall of the pharynx associated with difficulty swallowing and breathing, inspiratory stridor, and tetraparesis.
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